Disclaimer: I don't own Bleach
Rated M: Again for the violence and swearing which uh...sort of shows up a bit more in this chapter...


Staring into his teacup Ichigo frowned, it…well it didn't look that good. Glancing up his eyes followed he man handing out the tea. Seconds after Aizen had said "tea" the man had come in with a tray filled with cups and a tea pot. Ichigo had thought Nnoitra was creepy but this man took the cake. Short silver-y lavender hair and as for what color his eyes were, Ichigo couldn't tell. The whole time the man had been the room they'd been shut tightly, combine that with the large smile he had been wearing as well the guy practically screamed of creepiness. It also seemed he wasn't the only who thought that, as soon as the guy had entered a palpable sense of unease had covered the room.

From his seat Aizen took his own cup off the tray, and took a sip. Sighing he smiled at the rest of the group at the table, "Well, drink up."

Hesitantly Ichigo picked up his cup and took a sip. As soon as the flavor hit his sense Ichigo coughed and spit the stuff back into the cup. It was probably the nastiest stuff he had ever tasted! "Is something wrong Ichigo?"

Aizen's words caused Ichigo to look up uneasily. The man was staring at him with the smallest of frowns, and he definitely didn't look happy. Shaking his head Ichigo looked back at his tea, which looked even nastier than before now that he knew what it tasted like. Deciding to just get it over with Ichigo grabbed onto the cup, took a deep breath and then drank the whole cup in one swallow. Resisting the urge to gag Ichigo grimaced and set his cup down, there was just as disgusting of an aftertaste.

"Seems he don't like yer tea," the man who had passed out the tea finally spoke, an accent of some sort just made the guy even more strange.

"Nonsense Gin. You liked it didn't you Ichigo?" Aizen asked pleasantly enough.

Nodding Ichigo muttered a quiet, "Was delicious," which was a complete lie, but saying that the tea was probably the nastiest thing he had ever tasted probably wasn't the best of ideas at the moment.

Aizen turned to the other man, Gin. "See. Everyone enjoys the tea," turning back he sipped his own tea, then setting the cup down addressed the rest of them, "Now that we've gotten that over with. Shall we start with this introductory meeting?"

Ichigo didn't say anything, but then again neither did anyone else. As it turned out there seemed to be a lot of rhetorical questions in this meeting. Looking around the room Ichigo didn't notice anyone else saying anything instead they were all looking at Aizen patiently…well most of then anyways. Turning back to Aizen Ichigo tried his best to pay attention.

"As we all know it was quite unfortunate when our former number 0 died," small pause where no one said anything but someone coughed something that sounded very similar to 'good riddance' which Aizen ignored with grace, "AS much as we would like to mourn our loss we don't have time. Instead of mourning out losses though we shall celebrate our gains. Ichigo Kurosaki is our newest member, replacing Yammy as our number 0. I congratulate you all for showing your support by showing up," he said smiling again.

Ichigo frowned, how many people were there exactly? It couldn't be too many people if the small group of people was "many". As for the support thing, did Aizen even read the text? It definitely didn't sound friendly, at all. But here Aizen was acting like it was some tea party he was the host of. "Now as we all know Ichigo is woefully ignorant to what he's supposed to do. I've saved that special information for tonight. I thought that perhaps he'd like to see some of the people he'd be working with, the turnout was much better than I anticipated," Aizen said looking over the gather people carefully.

That was probably the only silver lining Ichigo could see at the moment. Here he was surrounded by…assassins…and some psycho business man and his tea serving lackey, and as surreal as it was he could only see one silver lining. He'd be figuring out what was expected of him. Swallowing nervously Ichigo waited anxiously to hear what was going to come next, which was hopefully something relevant to his current interests.

"Since there are so many it makes this question I'm about to ask much easier. As I mentioned Ichigo is undereducated, I thought that the best teacher would be a…tutor of sorts. Someone who could go with him on the first few missions and help him along. Now I'd rather not force anyone into doing this so I'm going to politely ask those gather to think about this and volunteer if they so chose. What they'd be volunteering to is to help Ichigo out on his first few missions, teach him the ropes so to say," Aizen paused, and looked them over.

He wasn't the only one though, Ichigo also glanced at the group. One of these people was…going to be teaching him. To what!? Kill people? You actually needed to be taught to do that! Glancing Ichigo saw that so far no one was raising their hand or making any signal of volunteering. Nnoitra and Szayel were two people he definitely didn't want to teach him anything, they seemed more apt to hurt him. Grimmjow just seemed like he'd shove him off the nearest building at the moment. As for Ulquiorra and Hallibel…they didn't seem too bad, but he didn't know any of them very well at all so this was just on basic appearances. Glancing back up at Aizen, Ichigo was a little surprised to see the man frowning.

"No volunteers at all?" he shook his head and took a small sip of tea, "I expected better from you all. If no one volunteers there will be consequences…" he said coldly, as for what the 'consequences' would be he didn't say.

Just seconds after he said that someone spoke, "If no one else will volunteer I will," everyone glanced over at Ulquiorra who was the one who spoke.

Aizen smiled, "Ah of course Ulquiorra. Once again you've proven yourself beyond useful," he said cheerfully.

Distinctly Ichigo could hear someone mutter 'suck-up' before Aizen continued his little 'speech', "Now that we've gotten that out of the way how about we let the guest of honor take the floor," almost as if on cue everyone turned to Ichigo, "Now don't be shy, introduce yourself," Aizen said, it sounded like encouragement but Ichigo was fairly certain it was more of a command than a request.

Refusing to stutter or seem like a fool Ichigo composed himself before speaking, "Um…I'm Ichigo Kurosaki," he searched for anything that seemed appropriate to say in this situation, "I'm 15, I go to high school and I used to be fairly normal," he said a little coldly, he really didn't want to reveal too much.

Up at the front of the table Aizen chuckled, "Interesting way of putting it. Very well, any questions for our newest member before we move on?"

Ichigo felt a little annoyed, what the hell would they want to ask him? "Ah yes Nnoitra, go right ahead," Aizen pointed at the eye patched man when he raised his hand.

"Don't mean to pry. But how'd you kill Yammy? No one really told us this one, and I thought I'd ask since most high school students don't normally kill people," he asked, a wide smirk appearing as he asked the question.

Scowling Ichigo glared at Nnoitra, "Stabbed him," he replied coldly, apparently the man wasn't done trying to bait him yet.

Nnoitra grinned, "Is that so? My, my such a violent way to go. Didn't know you-"

"Come now Nnoitra I'm sure there are other questions people want to ask," Aizen interrupted smoothly.

For a second it looked like Nnoitra was going to say something else but instead the man just scoffed and turned away. Ichigo glared at him still, what the hell had that been about? So far he'd done nothing but be quiet and unassuming. All these guys were doing was enforcing his budding plan to get the hell out of this situation…and as fast as he could.

When no one else raised their hands Aizen sighed, "Oh very well. You've all been so quiet today, if I didn't know any better I'd say none of you actually wanted to be here," he said filling up his cup with more tea.

After taking a sip of his tea Aizen sighed, "If you all insist on skipping the pleasantries then I will begin. Considering Tousen is on vacation today Gin will do the visuals," he said calmly.

The lights dimmed, looking around Ichigo quickly spotted Gin who pulled down a projection screen. Still smiling the man went back over towards Aizen and set up a projector. Ichigo watched curiously as Gin spent the next five minutes trying to turn on the projector, with Aizen adding his input ever few seconds until Szayel stood up and turned the thing on. "Oh is that how ya do it?" Gin asked brightly.

"A blind man figured it out, you seriously didn't know how?" Grimmjow grumbled.

Ichigo blinked, a…blind man? His attention was torn when the presentation started. A very large picture of a skyscraper was on the screen, "This is Genedustries blueprints. Not the most creative name, but as it implies they deal with Genetics. They have risen very quickly to be one of the top contenders in the business in fact. Too quickly. Some question of foul play has been raised by this man."

The picture changed with a small click and instead of the building it was a rather pudgy looking man. Short and round, slicked back black hair and a business suit. He wasn't looking at the camera and instead was talking to someone giving Ichigo the impression the guy hadn't been aware the photo was even being taken. "This is the man that hired us to investigate Genedustries for…foul play so to say. He's willing to pay handsomely for this and we are more than willing to do this job. It's a simple sort of thing and in fact is a rather easy job after that dry spell that we found ourselves in this month."

Another picture change, another man only this one was different. An older man, white hair, business suit and he had a cane in the picture. Similar to the last one it seemed the guy was unaware he was getting his photo taken, and if the two very large bodyguards who were just standing there were any indication…neither did they. "This is our target. He's the vice president of Genedustries. Most of his information is in the file and privileged only to those going on this mission, as easy as it is the information is sensitive and we wouldn't like a mishap like last time…" there was a silence for a few seconds that Ichigo thought seemed more than just a little uncomfortable.

"Normally I don't show mission information like this unless it's rather large or everyone is here. I've already decided to have Ichigo go on this mission, but I would like a volunteer to help out," the picture changed again, it looked like blueprints, "This is the Genedustries, given to us generously by our clients. Guards patrol daily at intervals, the most common routes are marked. As you can tell there are a lot of them, so someone who perhaps wouldn't mind a confrontation to two would be best."

Moving on to the next picture it showed a large house, "This is our target's home. If need be we will use this as the point of attack instead of the office. He has a wife, and a dog I believe but no children in the house. Making it slightly easier if anything, as always we don't plan to harm the family if we don't have to. The client has offered a bonus if we make it an accidental death of some sort," Aizen paused and one more click revealed the last picture the old man shaking hands with a nervous looking man, hat pulled down low, coat collar pulled high enough so you couldn't see his face, "Our clients accusations haven't been unfounded as you can see. With this it solidifies our job. After all we don't kill anyone without proper evidence or reason."

As soon as those words were said the lights turned back on, "Now would anyone else like to volunteer for this mission?" Aizen asked.

Seconds after those words came out of his mouth Grimmjow's hand shot into the air, "You said there'd be fighting right?" he asked quickly.

"I didn't explicitly say that, but more than likely there could be a fight occurring," Aizen answered calmly, "Why? Are you volunteering Grimmjow?"

Nodding the blue haired man leaned back in his chair, "Why the hell not, ain't going to kill me. Besides…sounds fun," he said with a smirk.

Cheerfully Aizen motioned to Gin, "Fill everyone's cups. This calls for a toast I believe," the other man snickered and quickly went about filling everyone's cup.

Glaring at the murky water Aizen tried to pass off as tea Ichigo hesitantly lifted his own cup when everyone else did. "To those off on our first mission in months. May they be safe," there was some mutters of agreement and almost as one the group drank the tea.

Forcing back the coughing fit that threatened to come up Ichigo wondered briefly if it would ever get easier to drink that. "With that, this meeting is adjourned. Until next time," Aizen said calmly.

Aizen stood up, as did everyone else. One last polite smile and Aizen left the room, Gin following behind with the tray of tea items, still grinning like he had the whole meeting. When the two left the room an invisible weight seemed to be lifted, or so it seemed to Ichigo anyways. "Do you have any prior fighting experience?"

Jumping Ichigo turned quickly to Ulquiorra who was the one who spoke, "Wh-what?"

And he had been doing such a good job of not stuttering too. The emotionless man frowned a little, "Do you have any prior fighting experience," he repeated in the same tone as before.

"Uh…no. I don't, why?" Ichigo asked hesitantly.

"All of us are trained in different fighting techniques. To keep you up to par it would be best if you had some training as well. Preferable someplace that isn't well known and doesn't have a lot of clients but is a reasonable place that actually trains you in what it's trying to teach," he replied.

The only thing Ichigo could think of to say was "oh…" which really wasn't much at all so he turned to something different, "So uh…can we go home now?" he asked hesitantly.

Ulquiorra just shook his head and muttering something turned and left the room. Looking around quickly Ichigo saw that he was actually the only one left in the meeting room. Feeling a little stupid Ichigo quickly left the room, paused, went back and turned off the lights and then hurried down the hall. After re-finding his way through the kitchen Ichigo pushed open the door separating the kitchen and main part and was surprised if not a little nervous to see Hallibel standing by the exit.

Looking around Ichigo didn't see anyone else standing around, "Ah Ichigo, I was waiting for you," she said.

"Why?" the words were out of his mouth before he could actually stop and think about what exactly he had said.

Hallibel shook her head, "It's almost 2am, but if you really want to walk home this late then go right ahead."

Ichigo shook his head quickly, "No!" he paused, "I mean…if it's not too much trouble."

"I'm offering you idiot," she replied, opening the door and walking outside.

Moving quickly Ichigo followed after her. It didn't take him that long to catch up to her and Ichigo silently walked behind her a little bit. Turning the corner they arrived in a parking lot and parked in one of the spaces was a really expensive looking bright yellow car. Of course then he noticed that leaning up against the car was Grimmjow. Hallibel frowned, "If you're looking for a ride I'm not giving you one, we already discussed this earlier," she said coldly.

"Like hell we did! You fucking stole my parking spot, crushed my car, and got it impounded!" Grimmjow snapped, walking up to them angrily, "I at least deserve a goddamn ride home."

For a second it looked like Hallibel was going to hit Grimmjow but instead she just sighed, "You managed to shrink all my clothes yet you here you are still asking for a ride."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow, "How'd he do that?"

"None of your business brat," Grimmjow snapped.

Hallibel rubbed her forehead, "If I remember correctly he actually asked a dry cleaner how to," she muttered.

Before Grimmjow could say anything though the blonde woman cut him off quickly, "I really don't care anymore. I'm tired and have to working the morning. Both of you get in the car," Hallibel snapped, walking over to her car and unlocking the doors.

Not one to turn down a free ride Ichigo got into the car and suddenly felt very…very insignificant. If the inside of this car was anything to go by, then he was currently sitting in a car that seemed worth double what the clinic made in a year. Nervously he buckled up and seconds later the car started and they drove out of the parking lot. At first it was really quiet, no one said anything and in fact it seemed like Grimmjow was sulking up in the front seat.

Eventually though Hallibel started up a quick conversation, "So Ichigo, what do you think of the Espada so far? Don't worry, neither of us will judge you," she reassured him.

It didn't do much but Ichigo hesitantly offered up a little of his opinion, "Uh…so far? I think everyone is a little crazy," he muttered.

Grimmjow gave a short laugh, "Just a little? Fuck, everyone in there is crazy enough to fuck up a psychiatrist."

"Including you?"

"Craziest of the them all," Grimmjow replied, making it seem like more of a compliment than an insult.

Ichigo shook his head, "Whatever you say," he muttered, "So…uh…what do you do outside of this…job?"

Answering first was Hallibel, "I work as a model, I'm surprised you haven't seen my picture somewhere. Then again it is more towards the female viewers."

That was mildly surprising, he had not been expecting to hear that she was a model. It was strange to think that someone perfectly normal on the outside could be a…a killer. "I do odd jobs. Right now I'm a bouncer," Grimmjow muttered.

On the other hand that wasn't as surprising. Even though Ichigo didn't know Grimmjow very well he could tell that the man enjoyed violence more than just a little bit. Sighing Ichigo leaned back in his seat. "Is Aizen usually that…" Ichigo paused as he tried to figure out the right word to describe the man.

"Idiotic, asshole-ish, such a dick? Plenty of words to describe that bastard," Grimmjow spat out angrily, "If half the people ha-" before Grimmjow could finish though Hallibel smacked his head into the window.

She gave him a quick glare, "Watch what you say Jaegerjaquez," she snapped.

Muttering something the blue-haired man rubbed his head but didn't continue whatever he was saying. Ichigo wisely chose not to try and start the issue back up and instead fell silent and the rest of the car ride was passed in quiet. Eventually though the car pulled to a stop, "Alright this is your house, right?"

Glancing out the window Ichigo nodded, that was his house. Opening the door he got out and said a quick thank you. Hallibel smiled, "It was nice meeting you Ichigo."

"I'd say the same but I'd sort of be lying," Ichigo replied.

Grimmjow laughed again, "Ain't you just a little jackass. Let's get the fuck outta here Hallibel," he muttered.

Shaking her head they drove off and Ichigo stood there on the side of the road for a few seconds. Eventually though he turned and walked to his house, unlocked the door, walked inside and sighed tiredly. He had spent two hours in hell if anything. Shutting the door behind him he locked it and walked up the stairs to his room. Changing into his pjs Ichigo collapsed into his bed. Closing his eyes Ichigo started drifting off to sleep…until a new thought came into his head.

He hadn't mentioned where he lived.

AN: Sorry I didn't update this one time. I didn't quite get it proof-read until just earlier today. I hope that once again I managed to do a good job and ummm...that you enjoyed it. I hope that you all enjoy this, I actually rather liked writing it. As I noticed there's quite a bit of dialouge in here...hmm...I don't know if that's a good thing or not...-sigh- anyways, I don't really have much left to say here. Can't make exact promises to get it up on time but I'll try my best...

Remember any Suggestions, Questions, Comments, Concerns or Complaints direct them to management using the little review button down below. Thank you once again for reading this story.